How much is Ozempic without insurance?

Ozempic prices can be very expensive without insurance. The list prices for Ozempic® 0.25 or 0.5 mg (1 x 1.5-mL pen) and 1 mg (1 x 3-mL pen) are $851.60, according to the manufacturer’s website. However, prices may vary depending on the pharmacy you visit.

Learn more on how you can obtain the lowest price for Ozempic and alternative treatments which are available.

Ozempic (semaglutide), manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is a popular brand-name prescription drug that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is not intended to be used to treat Type 1 diabetes. Ozempic is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Ozempic works by helping your body release more insulin and improving blood sugar control.

Ozempic is typically taken once a week by injection, either under the skin or into a muscle. The Ozempic pen is prefilled with the correct amount of medication for one injection.

You may start to see improvements in your blood sugar control within a few weeks of starting treatment with Ozempic, but it may take up to two months to see the full effect.

Ozempic is usually taken for long-term treatment of diabetes. Once you start taking Ozempic, you will likely need to take it for the rest of your life.

Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), and reactions at the injection site. In rare instances, this drug may cause low hypoglycemia or blood sugar. Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience any serious allergic reactions while taking Ozempic.

There is no generic version of Ozempic available yet so you may need to pay the full price if you do not have insurance.

Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss. However, some people may lose weight while taking Ozempic because the drug will lower blood sugar levels and improve glycemic control. When blood sugar levels are well-controlled, it can lead to weight loss in some people with type 2 diabetes.

Is Ozempic covered by my insurance?

Ozempic was initially approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in December 2017 as a treatment for diabetes type 2.

Ozempic may be covered by your insurance plan if it is used to treat diabetes. However, coverage and reimbursement for Ozempic can vary depending on each individual insurance plan. Contact your insurance company to verify coverage and reimbursement for Ozempic before you start treatment.

Some commercial insurance plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage may cover Ozempic. Most health insurance companies may require you to obtain prior authorization or may prefer that you use an alternative drug before covering Ozempic.

How much does Ozempic cost without insurance?

The manufacturer’s website states that the list prices (cash price without insurance) for Ozempic® 0.25 or 0.5 mg (1 x 1.5-mL pen) and 1 mg (1 x 3-mL pen) are $851.60. That works out to around $213 per week depending on the prescribed dose.

Many health insurance plans may cover some of the cost of Ozempic, however, the copay will vary by plan. You may still be responsible for a portion of the cost, depending on your insurance coverage.

If you do not have insurance or if Ozempic is not covered by your insurance plan, the cost of Ozempic can be expensive. Fortunately, there are some ways to save on the cost of Ozempic.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, offers a savings card that can reduce the cost of Ozempic by up to $100 per month. Eligible patients who have private or commercial insurance, such as insurance received through an employer, may be eligible to pay as little as $25 for a 1, 2, or 3-month prescription. Novo Nordisk states the maximum savings of $150 per 1-month prescription, $300 per 2-month prescription, or $450 per 3-month prescription). The savings card is valid on prescriptions for a 1, 2, or 3-month supply, and can be used for up to 24 months from the date of activation. These eligibility requirements may change and it is recommended to check for the latest guidelines on the manufacturer’s website.

Individuals without insurance should also ask their healthcare provider about Ozempic alternatives that are available as lower-priced generics. Examples of lower-priced antidiabetic generic drugs are metformin, meglitinides, sulfonylureas, bile acid sequestrants, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. These lower-cost generic drugs are approved by the FDA for lowering blood glucose. However, these alternatives may not be considered an adequate substitute for Ozempic. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine if there are any lower-cost alternative drugs for you.

Do not take any over-the-counter medications or supplements as a substitute for prescription drugs to control blood sugar levels.

Compare Ozempic alternative prices

Note: Prices are provided as estimates only and are subject to change.

RELATED: Ozempic vs Trulicity

How to save on Ozempic without insurance

With an estimated annual cost of around $10,000, Ozempic can be a very expensive drug, especially for those without insurance. However, there are several options available to save money. Here are some tips on how you can save money on Ozempic:

1. Consider Compounded Semaglutide which is the compounded version of Ozempic
2. Check if you have insurance coverage for Ozempic. If you do, your medical insurance may help cover some or all of the costs.
3. Shop around at multiple pharmacies for the best price including mail-order pharmacies. A study conducted by Consumer Reports estimates that the retail prices for medications can vary by as much as 10 times from one pharmacy to another, even in the same city.
4. Try using an Ozempic coupon or prescription drug discount card.
5. Get a health insurance plan that covers Ozempic. The insurance premium costs will likely be a lot less than the cash price of Ozempic. Make sure to verify that the health insurance plan covers Ozempic.
6. See if you qualify for any patient assistance programs offered by the manufacturer or other organizations. Patient assistance programs provide free or discounted drugs to people who cannot afford them.
7. Enroll in Medicaid if you are eligible. Medicaid is intended to help eligible individuals who are low-income and cannot afford their medications. Some Medicaid plans may cover the cost of Ozempic.
8. Get medical advice from your healthcare provider about alternative treatment options. Ozempic is a prescription drug that belongs to a drug classification called GLP-1 agonists which are used to treat type 2 diabetes. There are several lower-cost alternative drugs that your healthcare provider may consider to help you save money on your treatment.